Gary Barlow: I think it’s great that a girl band won X Factor

X Factor judge
Gary Barlow has congratulated Little Mix for winning the competition, saying that it was about time that a band came out on top.

Gary Barlow has said that Little Mix’s win will encourage more groups to enter X Factor (Picture: ITV)

Barlow, whose act Marcus Collins came second to the Tulisa-mentored girl group, told the Xtra Factor: ‘I think it’s great that a girl band won. It’s about time that a group won it.

‘It’s great for the show that a band won because it shows other bands out there that groups do stand a chance of winning the competition’.

Gary’s co-judge Kelly Rowland , whose last remaining act Amelia Lily came in at third place, joined Barlow in congratulating Jesy, Perrie, Jade and Leigh-Anne for their achievement, saying she was ‘so excited’ for their future.

Little Mix are the first girl group to win X Factor (Picture: ITV)

However, Rowland, a former member of a girl group herself, issued a heartfelt warning to the youngsters.

She said: ‘Little Mix have only scratched the surface. But it’s important to know who your family is. They should stick together no matter what and know who their friends are and value friendship above anything else’.

Little Mix will be in good hands now that the X Factor is over for another year, with mentor Tulisa swearing to stand by the girls throughout their career.

The judge gushed to Xtra Factor: ‘Iâm always going to be there for them. Iâll get involved as much as I can. Just go with the flow and give as much advice and help as I possibly can.’